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Most Popular Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in California

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2023 Most Popular Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in California

84 Schools Ranked
$13,991 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$22,374 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which computer science program to enroll in when you have so many options available. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

The Most Popular Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in California ranking is one of many tools that Computer Science Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 84 schools in California to see which ones were the most popular bachelor's degree programs for computer science students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

University of California - Berkeley

Berkeley, California
1,411 Total Awards
$14,226 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,205 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found University of California - Berkeley to be the most popular school for computer science students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in California. Located in Berkeley, California, the large public school awarded 1,411 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $14,226 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UC Berkeley. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $43,980. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,205 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 36% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at UC Berkeley. During the 2019-2020 year, about 100% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on University of California - Berkeley

#2

University of California - Irvine

Irvine, California
1,013 Total Awards
$13,775 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,722 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of California - Irvine. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California list. Irvine, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 1,013 students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $13,775 in tuition and fees if they attend UC Irvine full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $43,529. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,722 in student loans. Around 23% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UC Irvine. In fact, around 100% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full University of California - Irvine Report

#3

University of California - Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California
805 Total Awards
$14,070 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,900 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means University of California - Santa Cruz is a great place for computer science students working on their bachelor’s degree. University of California - Santa Cruz is a fairly large public school located in Santa Cruz, California that handed out 805 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UC Santa Cruz is $14,070. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $43,824. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $18,900 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 19% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at UC Santa Cruz, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 100% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of California - Santa Cruz Report

#4

University of California - San Diego

La Jolla, California
749 Total Awards
$14,700 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,172 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means University of California - San Diego is a great place for computer science students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in La Jolla, California, the large public school handed out 749 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $14,700 in tuition and fees if they attend UCSD full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $44,454. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $17,172 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 24% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UCSD does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 100% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on University of California - San Diego

364 Total Awards
$7,043 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,166 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend California State University - Northridge. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California list. California State University - Northridge is a large public school located in Northridge, California that handed out 364 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at CSUN is $7,043. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $18,923. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from CSUN accumulate an average of $18,166 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 17% of those degree recipients were women.

CSUN does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 99% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on California State University - Northridge

#6

University of California - Davis

Davis, California
360 Total Awards
$14,645 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,449 Avg Student Debt

University of California - Davis ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California list. UC Davis is located in Davis, California and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 360 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Students from California who attend UC Davis full time pay an average of $14,645 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $44,399. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $14,449 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 24% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UC Davis. In fact, around 100% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of California - Davis

#7

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California
350 Total Awards
$61,503 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,669 Avg Student Debt

University of Southern California landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree computer science programs. Located in Los Angeles, California, the large private not-for-profit school handed out 350 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $61,503 to cover tuition and fees at USC. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from USC accumulate an average of $15,669 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 29% were women.

USC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 98% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full University of Southern California Report

#8

University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
342 Total Awards
$13,258 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,277 Avg Student Debt

University of California - Los Angeles did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #8 on the list. UCLA is a public institution located in Los Angeles, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 342 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $13,258 in tuition and fees if they attend UCLA full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $43,012. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,277 in student loans. Around 24% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UCLA does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

308 Total Awards
$6,976 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,931 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Fullerton did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #9 on the list. Cal State Fullerton is located in Fullerton, California and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 308 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $6,976 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Cal State Fullerton. Out-of-state students pay an average of $18,856. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,931 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 14% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Cal State Fullerton. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 100% took at least some of their classes online.

Full California State University - Fullerton Report

#10

San Diego State University

San Diego, California
295 Total Awards
$8,136 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,150 Avg Student Debt

San Diego State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #10 on the list. SDSU is a public institution located in San Diego, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 295 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $8,136 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SDSU. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $20,016. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $18,150 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 20% were women.

SDSU does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 100% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

270 Total Awards
$7,439 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,789 Avg Student Debt

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California list. Cal Poly Pomona is located in Pomona, California and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 270 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Cal Poly Pomona is $7,439. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $19,319. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $18,789 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 19% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Cal Poly Pomona. In fact, around 100% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on California State Polytechnic University - Pomona

#12

California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
268 Total Awards
$6,785 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,712 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Los Angeles landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree computer science programs. Cal State LA is a public institution located in Los Angeles, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 268 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend Cal State LA full time pay an average of $6,785 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $18,665. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $17,712 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 14% of those degree recipients were women.

Cal State LA does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#13

Stanford University

Stanford, California
260 Total Awards
$56,169 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,926 Avg Student Debt

Stanford University ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California list. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Stanford, California, and it awarded 260 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $56,169 to cover tuition and fees at Stanford. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,926 in student loans. Around 34% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Stanford University

#13

California State University - Sacramento

Sacramento, California
260 Total Awards
$7,392 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,924 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, California State University - Sacramento did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Sacramento, California, the large public school awarded 260 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $7,392 in tuition and fees if they attend Sac State full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $19,272. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $19,924 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 17% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Sac State. In fact, around 100% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full California State University - Sacramento Report

#15

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, California
237 Total Awards
$7,304 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,482 Avg Student Debt

San Francisco State University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California ranking. Located in San Francisco, California, the large public school awarded 237 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $7,304 in tuition and fees if they attend SFSU full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $19,184. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,482 in student loans. Around 18% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that SFSU does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 98% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full San Francisco State University Report

#16

San Jose State University

San Jose, California
230 Total Awards
$7,852 Average Tuition & Fees

San Jose State University ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California list. San Jose State is a large public school situated in San Jose, California. It awarded 230 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend San Jose State full time pay an average of $7,852 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $19,732. Around 22% of those degree recipients were women.

San Jose State does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#17

California State University - San Bernardino

San Bernardino, California
229 Total Awards
$7,213 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,358 Avg Student Debt

California State University - San Bernardino ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California list. CSUSB is a public institution located in San Bernardino, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 229 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $7,213 in tuition and fees if they attend CSUSB full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $19,093. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $18,358 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 15% were women.

One thing to take note of is that CSUSB does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 100% took at least some of their classes online.

Full California State University - San Bernardino Report

#18

California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, California
221 Total Awards
$6,846 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,689 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Long Beach landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree computer science programs. Long Beach, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 221 students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at CSULB is $6,846. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $18,726. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from CSULB accumulate an average of $17,689 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 16% were women.

CSULB does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 100% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full California State University - Long Beach Report

#19

University of California - Riverside

Riverside, California
215 Total Awards
$13,754 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,387 Avg Student Debt

University of California - Riverside did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #19 on the list. UCR is located in Riverside, California and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 215 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $13,754 in tuition and fees if they attend UCR full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $43,508. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UCR accumulate an average of $18,387 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 15% were women.

One thing to take note of is that UCR does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 100% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of California - Riverside Report

#20

University of the People

Pasadena, California
212 Total Awards

With a ranking of #20, University of the People did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Pasadena, California, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 212 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 17% were women.

Since University of the People is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read More…

202 Total Awards
$6,995 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,301 Avg Student Debt

California State University - East Bay did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #21 on the list. Cal State East Bay is a fairly large public school situated in Hayward, California. It awarded 202 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $6,995 in tuition and fees if they attend Cal State East Bay full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $18,875. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Cal State East Bay accumulate an average of $20,301 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 18% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Cal State East Bay does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 100% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full California State University - East Bay Report

178 Total Awards
$10,195 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,067 Avg Student Debt

California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California list. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, the large public school awarded 178 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $10,195 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $28,105. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo accumulate an average of $18,067 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 25% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

175 Total Awards
$7,864 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,135 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Chico came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California ranking. Located in Chico, California, the fairly large public school awarded 175 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $7,864 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Chico State. Out-of-state students pay an average of $19,744. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,135 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 19% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Chico State. In fact, around 100% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on California State University - Chico

171 Total Awards
$7,218 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,303 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Monterey Bay did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #24 on the list. CSUMB is located in Seaside, California and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 171 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $7,218 in tuition and fees if they attend CSUMB full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $19,098. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $16,303 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 16% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, CSUMB is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Full California State University - Monterey Bay Report

#24

University of California - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California
171 Total Awards
$14,417 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,986 Avg Student Debt

University of California - Santa Barbara came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California ranking. University of California - Santa Barbara is a large public school located in Santa Barbara, California that handed out 171 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $14,417 in tuition and fees if they attend UCSB full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $44,171. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $16,986 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 27% of those degree recipients were women.

UCSB does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full University of California - Santa Barbara Report

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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